Singer Shuhada’ Sadaqat, better known by her birth name Sinéad O'Connor, died on July 26, 2023, just 18 months after her teenage son passed away. After a career marked by triumph and controversy, and a personal life that was equal parts growth and trauma, she is survived by three children and a legion of admirers. Rest in peace, Shuhada’.
Eve Hewson, star of Bad Sisters (and daughter of Irish rockstar Bono, frontman of U2), posted a black-and-white picture of the singer on stage, writing, “Our Dublin girl 💔.” Actor and director Olivia Wilde commented with a broken heart emoji, as did Coda star Emilia Jones. Eighth Grade actor Josh Hamilton added, “Oh no!!”
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The singer was especially beloved in her home nation of Ireland, and perhaps Irish comedian Dara Ó Briain put it best when he wrote, “Ah shite, Sinead O’Connor has died. That’s just very sad news. Poor thing. I hope she realised how much love there was for her.”
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Irish actor and star of Outlander Caitriona Balfe shared her own tribute on Instagram, thanking the musician for “sharing your soul with us and soothing us with your incredible voice, beautiful Sinéad.”
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O'Connor sings the theme song for the current season of Outlander, prompting the show's executive producer Maril Davis to share her own sympathies: “On behalf of the entire cast and crew of Outlander we are deeply saddened about the news of Sinead’s passing,” she wrote. “She was an incredible talent and working with her on this season’s main title song was a true honor.”
American comedian and actor Patton Oswalt praised her morality and how her actions aligned with the true spirit of Christianity (later in life, O’Connor did convert to Islam, which is not ideologically in conflict with Christianity).
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Writer Caitlin Moran took to social media to share her own feelings, writing, “Sinead: and she was the first to talk about abuse in the Catholic church - tearing up the picture of the Pope on TV - but 99% of the music industry hung her out to dry. She was decades before her time, and fearless. Rest in power, queen.” (While it’s true that the singer was pilloried by the media for her SNL stunt, O’Connor herself may have seen the matter differently.)
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Rock band Garbage posted a tribute as well.
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Comedian Rob Delaney shared his memories of the singer on Twitter.
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Others in the media praised her bravery and talent:
